Written By: Irene Cho
edited by: Namitha Acharya
If you were to transfer to a co-ed or single-gender school, which one would you attend? There is no correct answer, not even with the hundreds of studies based upon this topic. Because the conclusions from these studies are vastly contradicting, we cannot state for sure which of the two are the better option. Nevertheless, there is no denying that there are beneficial aspects of co-ed schools that cannot be replicated in a single-gendered school.
Co-ed schools allow an individual to adjust to the reality of life. In these types of schools, because students are interacting and communicating with the opposite sex, it prepares them for a life outside of school. Some studies have shown that students from single-gendered schools have found it harder to assimilate into the culture and have a hard time socializing with the opposite sex as adults. Another reality co-ed schools prepare students for is gender inequality. This can either be a positive or negative aspect in co-ed schools. Sexism, in any shape or form, is not appropriate. Through this lens, single-gendered schools may seem better. However, in reality, sexism and gender inequality still exists and is a pertinent problem that our world faces. Experiencing these negative comments at a younger age would allow students to grow a backbone and learn how to manage the situation efficiently.
On the other hand, one must realize that experiencing these backhand comments and inequalities may provoke a negative mindset within the student. In this case, a single-gendered school is preferable in order to protect the student’s mental health. Those that favor academic ability may find single-sex schools to be more ideal. In an all-girls school, there would be no need to worry about getting dress coded for the overexposure of skin because it was ‘distracting the boys’. There would also be less anxiety trying to figure out how males perceive them. Generally, in singled gendered schools, there are fewer opposite-sex distractions and intimidation. These classes are also structured to be taught in a manner that suits their students’ learning skills. According to Noodle, “students of both sexes placed in single-sex classrooms [are] more likely to attend four-year colleges and receive higher test scores.” Thus, in terms of education, single-gendered schools would complement students much better than co-ed schools. Of course, the negative side exists as well. Lack of socialization with the opposite gender would be harder for students to assimilate to life outside of school and make it harder for them to be friends. And because many same-gendered schools are often private with dormitories, it is hard for students to maintain a relationship with their parents and friends from home. There have also been occurrences of increased cattiness and bullying.
Despite what reliable sources may indicate, data from studies shouldn’t be the only source of information to be referenced. These results can be twisted and re-worded to suit an individual’s biases. Just a quick search on the internet will bring up articles with contradicting claims and evidence. There are also studies suggesting that there is no difference between the students who attended same-gendered and co-ed schools. In this regard, co-ed schools are far more beneficial, to both genders, as it teaches students how to work and deal with the opposite gender.
Sources:
Comments